these were government forces later that evening. they're backed by saudi arabia, who hoped for a quick victory when they intervened in 2015... machine gun fire. ..and now can't find a way out. they're shooting at houthi fighters who believe they're winning, despite losing almost 15,000 dead sincejune. their big ally is iran. the strategic divide between the saudis and iranians and their allies that runs through this valley continues across the middle east. these government soldiers have been pushed back by the houthis. their commander says that doesn't mean they're losing. translation: it's true i that there are advances by the enemy, but war is like this. it's a normal thing in war. however, our men are resisting because they are protecting their country. but in marib hospital, the pain inflicted by the houthi offensive is clear in the operating theatres and the wards.